Rochester Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit art center located in Rochester, New York'sEast End District. The Art Center is a venue for the exchange of ideas and a not-for-profit 501 that was founded in 1977. As a center for thoughtful contemporary art, RoCo provides unique encounters for audiences and extraordinary opportunities for artists. RoCo exhibits and supports contemporary art of all forms. RoCo is well known for its annual 6x6 exhibition.The Art Center is also known for its popular Makers & Mentors Exhibitions which combine notable educators with their current and former students. RoCo's State of the City exhibitions focus on new urbanism and feature artists from across the region. The organization hosts numerous other curated group exhibitions, collaborations with arts organizations of all kinds, and community-based projects.
History
Founded as Pyramid Arts Center in 1977 by Tony Petracca and Gina Mosesson, the Center was located in several different storefronts and warehouse spaces around Rochester. In 2001, the organization rebranded and moved to its current location in Rochester's East End District. In 2007, RoCo initiated First Friday, a monthly citywide gallery night involving up to thirty other art venues throughout the city of Rochester. In December 2012, RoCo announced the purchase of its 137 East Ave. facility and the launch of RoCo's first-ever capital campaign, . Rochester Contemporary Art Center currently has over 850 members, about 60% of which are artists. Member artists participate in an annual Members' Exhibition. RoCo exhibits several exhibitions in its main gallery per year in addition to hosting 18-20 smaller exhibitions, performances and events.
''6x6''
In 2008, RoCo launched what has become a growing international small art phenomenon known as 6x6. Each year, 6x6 returns with thousands of original artworks, made and donated by celebrities, international and local artists, designers, college students, youths, and others. Each artwork is 6x6 square inches, signed only on the back, and exhibited anonymously. All entries are accepted, exhibited and are available for sale to the public for $20 each to benefit RoCo. Artist names are revealed to the buyer upon purchase. There is no fee to enter in the International Small Art Phenomenon. Entry deadlines and number of accepted artworks changes annually, visit roco6x6.org for more details. Notable known submissions include artworks from George Condo, Andrea Barrett, Wendell Castle, Garth Fagan, Philip Glass, Albert Paley, Joel Seligman, Louise Slaughter, Lovely A. Warren, and Danny Wegman.
